The gist of it: During Lent (40 days) rid your house of 40 bags of stuff...things you don't love, don't use, junk, accumulated stuff, clutter, garbage.
Of course you can do the 40 bag thing ANY time. Why Lent? To me, Lent is a time of prayer, renewal, self-reflection, sacrifice, self-control, repentance and almsgiving. It does seem silly to me to somehow try to link a good old home decluttering with something as deeply spiritual as the Lenten season, but the first time I did 40 bags/40 days it was much more meaningful to me than just getting rid of junk. I thought long and hard about how much we really needed vs. how much we had, I became more aware of how we spent our time and money, I had the chance to feel the rewards of charity (and so did my children) giving away to those in need some of the things we took for granted. It was a physical cleansing of the space we were all growing together in, as a family, but it also freed up space in my heart and mind for awareness and purpose-I didn't want my house buried under "stuff" and I didn't want my heart and mind buried under "stuff" either-and I learned that often the physical reflects the spiritual and vice versa.
It sounds overwhelming but it's not, I promise. It's a slow process and almost miraculously, the spiritual part of the practice will unfold naturally as you begin the physical work.
The photo above is my notebook list of each area I'm going to tackle each day. I don't include weekends. I divided my entire house into 30 or so areas, leaving enough days for the larger ones. Last year I ended up getting ahead of myself which was nice, because I could take a break for some days. I went through each area very thoroughly, and did some spring cleaning while I de-cluttered. I threw the bags of things I didn't want anymore right into the back of my van, and would make a weekly or so trip to Goodwill. Some stuff was just plain garbage to throw away.
I will attempt to post an update every Wednesday with tips and tricks and inspiration. Hope you'll join me!
Posts
I think I'm going to join you this year Sarah! I spent today cleaning the frig and all the cabinets inside and out. It felt so good :))
ReplyDeleteCount me in too.
ReplyDeleteI just wrote a long post as to why I am joining you & lost it. Doh.
Anyway I look forward to watching your progress & following along,
Niki
Yay! I've sort of already started but came to a standstill. This will help me get back on board. I was totally inspired when you did this last year.
ReplyDeleteI love it when you shared this last year and am going to join you this year for sure! Naomi x
ReplyDeleteI can't wait! I decided that I am going to focus on grocery bags this year. I have been getting rid of a lot of stuff throughout the year, grocery bags are not an overwhelming size, and I have been able to start counting them out. Right now I have 20 on my washer and plan to have the other 20 counted out before next Wednesday. That way I can have a visual as I go through the process. Thanks for leading the charge!
ReplyDeleteI'm in! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to join you but I'm choosing 20 bags - we live in a small house and there are only two of us so less stuff anyway. Also I'm in Toronto for the first week, but I'm going to do the spring clean clear out starting a few days late.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm also going to cut out sugar - until the Easter eggs obviously!
Jade
I'm definitely joining you ladies! I'm a purger, so I'm usually on top of tossing stuff, but even I have a few MAJOR hotspots in this house! Thanks for the inspiration. Can't wait to scrub each room down in preparation for spring!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! I can't do it with you right now (having surgery next week) but I'm going to keep this in mind for when I am physically able. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTotally doing this, and recruiting friends to join in too! We just moved a month ago and got rid of tons during that process, but I KNOW we still have another ton or so. I've been thinking so much about the spiritual disarray all this stuff is causing in our lives, really keeping us from living the life we want to live. This comes at the perfect time, so thank you!
ReplyDeleteSuch a good suggestion! I think I may just try to work on this project in my home also!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Count me in, too. Perhaps you have started a de-cluttering revolution...
ReplyDeleteYou need a button, so that you can start a movement. I love your inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI'm giving up complaining for Lent, but I think I'll join you as a backup plan.
I remember when you did this last year and I felt good for you in getting rid of so much STUFF. I know how thrilled I am just to get an empty bottle of shampoo out, let alone going through my kids' closets or the pantry.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I am doing it too. There's only 2 of us, so it may not be 40 bags, but... I've already got 4 big black trash bags to take to Goodwill. I already got rid of 111 things in 1/11, but there's much more to go!
ReplyDeleteThank your for your inspiration. I'm joining you this year. Now, to tell my husband...
ReplyDeleteOh I'm totally doing this!!! Remind me when to start though. I'll need like 5 days on my office area alone so I'll have to make up time in the air on other areas. :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds SO great. We just moved to our TINY (think less than 700 sq ft) apartment 5 months ago, and all 3 of us share a bedroom. Yikes. So we've already decluttered a bit, but it will be nice to go back through and get rid of things we haven't actually needed or used since we've been here. And like Jade above, I think I'll shoot for 20 bags. LOVE this.
ReplyDeleteTotally doing it with you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the idea, I'm going to do it! Perfect way to get ready for a new baby in a few months!
ReplyDeleteI'm on board, too. I generally declutter throughout the year, but this is a great way to spring clean!
ReplyDeleteI . can't. wait. to. start!!!
ReplyDeleteGREAT idea! I'll be linking your this post on my Organizing business FB Fan page next week!
ReplyDelete~h
to view page:
(www.operationorganization-mn.com)
I so want to do this!! I could probably get 40 bags just in my garage!!
ReplyDeleteI'm on board with this. What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring. I just started something like this yesterday. I am in a mommy crisis-my kids have too much stuff and I fall into the trap of birthday gifts, christmas gifts, more stuff all the time!
ReplyDeletei am totally IN!!! i just need to make a plan of attack...and then watch out stuff!!!
ReplyDeleteHey... I lost you... but now you are found!! =) The funny part is... I found you around this time last year I think?? I did this last February... called it a Bag a Day... Brown bag that is... I failed!! I only made it through 15 bags??!! I better go grocery shopping and get some extra bags!~!~ =)
ReplyDeleteI remember reading about your 40 bags in 40 days last year. I'll be joining you this year. Oh what peace Easter will bring.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU for the heads up and the preview on your preparation process. :) I'm going to try it this year, now that we are settled! I'm inspired.
ReplyDeleteI am totally putting this on my calendar. Been feeling like I need to do some SERIOUS purging, and I loved last year's 40 bags/40 days project. Perfect timing! Thanks Sarah. :)
ReplyDeleteI am so in and so ready!!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy night
What a great idea!! I can do a bag a day. At least if not more!
ReplyDeleteI totally remember your posts from last year. This is a brilliant idea. So simple and straight forward. I think I am going to follow along as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an awesome idea I may just have to share this on my FB page!!
ReplyDeleteLook at the trend you've set, trend-setter Sarah.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I'm totally with you, too.
Love, love this Lent cleansing concept. I'm all aboard. This is so doable. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWould you be interested in starting a facebook group page for this? I posted about it on my page yesterday and have lots of friends who said they wanted to do it and planned to spread the word. I thought about starting a page for my circle where we could update each other on our status, post pics of what we've accomplished so far, and share ideas on where to donate stuff. But, if you are willing to do a "national" page that might be even better. I could see this really catching fire!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, I'm in.
ReplyDeleteI watched from back here last year, in total awe and excitement as you went through it. This year I'm joining you. I'm so sick of stuff, it's not making me happy. It's making me frustrated.
ReplyDeleteI posted about the 40 bags in 40 days, so that I'll be forced to carry through, haha! ;) http://www.whitehouseblackshutters.com/2011/03/stuff-its-taking-over.html
Thanks so much for sharing your journey and inspiring the rest of us to join along. I'm excited to purge!! Woo hoo!!
I almost didn't comment because this post had 40 comments but I just have to say that I remember you doing that last year and I considered it but didn't do it. Well last year, our house was just coming together. Now we have lived here 2 years, I think it's time to start de-cluttering. I already did my master closet, so I'm thinking I can do more! (The hardest part will be all the old baby stuff). Thank you for always inspiring me!
ReplyDeleteTime for me to start too. It is crazy how it just adds up! P.S. I love your home...the pictures of your declutter last year are just heavenly for a fellow organizational nerd. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful! Most people look at un-cluttering their homes as a daunting and overwhelming task. I love it when people talk about cleaning and un-cluttering in simple steps, because it truly can be simple. I am an avid believe in "Everyday Cleaning." I live my life by this method and I always feel so much more relaxed! Bless you for such an awesome idea!
ReplyDeleteHere from Mary's link...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I've been cleaning up/cleaning out since we had a washing machine flood on Nov. 1 and had to have all of our flooring replaced. The mess from the contractors prompted it but going drawer by drawer and shelf by shelf has been really good for me-and my house!
I mostly wanted to comment because I grew up on a street named Clover Lane and I immediately had a smile on my face. I'll be back to visit for sure!
Great idea! I am totally doing this.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds wonderful! I think I will give it a try.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Dawn
I love it!!! I will try it as well this year.
ReplyDeleteI hemmed and hawed for a bit but I decided to jump on the bandwagon. Count me in! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI so need to do this!!! Count me in...
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what I need right now, I was just thinking of what I should do for lent... we are renovating (combining the other half our building into one house) so I've been packing up stuff that we don't need in the immediate future (books, toys and clothes that can be passed down to the next kid who isn't old enough for them yet) to save until we have twice the living space. The problem is, there's so much stuff left!! It's not stuff worth packing up for the 'new house' it's stuff I need to get rid of.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! We live in a small one-bedroom apartment, but we also have a storage unit - which can use some help!
ReplyDeleteOut of curiosity: do your kids help you clean out their rooms or do you "raid" them all by yourself?
ReplyDeleteYup, officially in and posted on the blog with a trackback. Thanks for the idea and the push! I can't wait to see what things look like around here when its done!
ReplyDeleteI'm joining too!
ReplyDeleteAre you hosting this or is it informal join in the comments section? I am wanting to do this!
ReplyDeleteSara...informal join I think! I don't have the blog prowess to make it anything fancy.
ReplyDeleteMarsupilami...I do both...some raiding, but as they get older, of course, they are right next to me, and we are sorting through things, and trying clothes on etc.
I am in! I can't wait to get started tomorrow! :-D Thanks for sharing and encouraging!
ReplyDeleteI'm in! I so need to do this!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to get going as well. Our home is smaller and we've already been doing quite a bit of purging, so this will be a great way to finish! I'm going to just do 20 days since we have a lot less space and I'd like to get done before my daughter's 4th birthday!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! It will hold me accountable to finally getting it done. I found your blog through Money Saving Mom (great post!!) and have enjoyed looking around.
ReplyDeletei want to do this. i want to do this. i want to do this....
ReplyDeleteplease keep posting your progress.
This is such an amazing idea!! Spring is on the way and what a better way to begin this season! Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteTake care!
Michele
This is a wonderful idea...I need to start in the attic....thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteOhhhh I love this idea!
ReplyDeleteThink I am going to join in ......Love the idea
ReplyDeleteHave you ever considered giving the stuff you won't donate to the goodwill to freecycle? Or listing it for free on craigslist. The less that goes into the landfill the better! One woman's junk is another woman's treasure! You would be surprised at what people will take: half full bottles of shampoo, open bags of food, packing peanuts, etc.
ReplyDeleteCount me in, better late than never!
ReplyDeletetakenlife.blogspot.com
nice idea!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you were doing this again. :) I took February to do 28 in 28. With my husband's help we went well over 28 bags. We're moving so I'm still working on it. I loved your post on questions to ask. So helpful. You've inspired me to keep working!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Melissa
I am going to give this a try! Thanks for a great idea! My house could totally use this!
ReplyDeleteTHis is a great idea! I shared it on my FB and now I am going to share my journey through it on my blog:)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to start!
ReplyDeleteIt is like my mother and grandmothers and all those other women before us used to do.
ReplyDeleteSo good for home, heart and human beings (in need).
Blessings,
Jeanneke.
What an excellent idea. I hope you won't mind me copying it.
ReplyDeletei started january 1st ... you know, a new year and a clean start. i'm almost done.
ReplyDeleteI am doing this to for Lent....but I did start early. I could not wait. I have my first two bags from my kitchen and one from the family room.
ReplyDeleteSue
fruity lemonade
Do you have any tips if husband's don't share the same passion for clearing clutter? I really want to do this and feel desperate, but I need to have a conversation with my hubbie, because when I start to clear stuff, he often protests about many items, arguing why we shoudl keep them. Does your husband do his own closet/desk, etc?
ReplyDeleteI am so inspired by this! I may jump on board with this. I love making commitments to do things to honor Christ during Lent, rather than sacrificing. Just a personal preference AND this idea would be perfect! Thank you for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely joining!!! looking forward to it!!!
ReplyDeleteAre you going to do a linky for this?? Then we could all cheer each other on.
ReplyDeleteI have already begun my 40 bags, and have 3 in my car for GW. But, you are so good about purging, I can't imagine that you have 40 bags in your house. Can't wait to see ~
ReplyDeleteBeen doing this since the first time you posted about it, 2 years ago I think? I can't remember because I am a recovering breast cancer survivor, but I KNOW I did it last year. It was one of the few things I could do around the house and it made me feel so productive during a time when everything around me seemed to be falling apart!
ReplyDeletePlease inspire me. I need all the help I can get!
ReplyDeleteThis year I am doing this with you. I was thinking about your 40 bags, 40 days the other day. I am doing this for peace, cause an unclutter house calms me.
ReplyDeleteI'M IN! I thought I was going to get this done in January and then I said I was going to do it in the first week of February and still nothing. So NOW I'm saying I'll start next week. Can someone come over and make me to do it please??
ReplyDeleteI am IN! I will post about this on my blog next week and link back to you!
ReplyDeleteCount me in! I'm not sure if I'll have 40 bags, but the idea of working through a list and, room by room, doing a deep clean/declutter sounds good!
ReplyDeleteHow I wish I could do this .......maybe I can - lets give it a go anyway.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a GREAT idea, I think I will try it too!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to it!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis year I'm in!!
ReplyDeleteI totally might have to steal this idea from you. We're getting ready to move into our first home and I think it's time to get rid of things we've accumulated since we were teens out of here!!
ReplyDeleteThis is very inspiring—& your photos of last year's challenge provide lots of motivation. I have shared this post with my readers, as it relates directly to my review of the book Simplifying the Soul: Lenten practices to renew your spirit.
ReplyDeletehttp://lighttoreadby.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/simplifying-the-soul/
Thanks for the inspiration and the kick in the pants! What a great idea to give something AWAY rather than to give something UP for Lent this year. I am joining along with you and shared some blog love for you on my own blog (www.livinthemclife.blogspot.com)
ReplyDeleteI'm joining you - again. I'm so ready for it that I got a head start in my closet today.
ReplyDeleteHello! I am also starting the 40 days challenge this week! I am hosting a link up party on my blog right now - feel free to link this post up here: http://theterpblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/40-bags-in-40-days.html
ReplyDeleteThanks!
My friend clued me in to this - I love the idea! I have 7 children and that leads to lots of clutter - my hubby will love this idea!!! I'm on board!
ReplyDeletejoining you, and I blogged about it :) http://themamamonkey.blogspot.com/2012/02/happy-lent-aka-give-it-up-baby.html
ReplyDeleteAh this is so amazing. both hubby and I are on board. Trash bag each daily, and one bag to donate to our St. Vincents, and/or Salvation Army... The two of us per day... yea GOD is good. I am so excited about this... even mad the days of work on places.. good thing.
ReplyDelete